Crystal Palace were promoted to replace Bristol City in the top flight, while on a wider note, the league is now under the management and operation of a new organisation set up to lead women's football towards further growth and progression, with Nikki Doucet overseeing both the WSL and Championship in a new phase for the game.

Phillips joins Conor Chaplin (knee), Chiedozie Ogbene (Achilles), Axel Tuanzebe (thigh) and Sammie Szmodics (ankle) on the sidelines, but Omari Hutchinson made an unexpectedly quick return from a groin issue in midweek.